Two North West housing groups to unite

Thursday 29th July 2010

Two of the North West’s largest housing groups confirmed their intention today to join forces.

Following a comprehensive process of exploratory discussions which was announced in October last year, Vicinity Housing Group and Contour Housing Group have agreed to pursue an amalgamation to create a new parent body and so extend their pool of subsidiary housing associations and commercial entities within the expanded partnership.

This new North West housing group will comprise seven stock holding member organisations with property portfolios ranging in size from 1,000 to 12,000 and totalling more than 36,000 homes. The new organisation will cover 27 local authorities and will benefit these partners by creating a stronger entity which will enable us to do even more to help people with their housing problems. The next phase will include a process of due diligence and tenant and stakeholder consultation. Subject to receiving the required consents, the amalgamation will take place on 31st March 2011.

Key factors influencing this decision have been a joint determination to retain a clear local focus, to deliver excellent service for customers, to capitalise on potential efficiencies and to develop an organisation that can operate from the strongest possible position for the future.

Phil Gandy, Chief Executive of Vicinity Housing Group stated: “We are pleased to announce that we intend to progress our partnership with Contour. Fundamentally our cultures, aspirations and long term goals are a good match and we operate within a very similar framework of principles, with shared commitments to our group structure and the clear local focus and accountability this provides for tenants.”

Mike Creamer, Chief Executive of Contour Housing Group said: "To put it simply, we will be better together; better able to deliver services to our tenants and better placed to face future challenges. We are confident that this is the right decision for the future of both Groups."

Posted by Kim for Vicinity